#poor quality (no matter how obvious it sounds)

[yuy-yu]

just a random sketch with sig in this little drawing window from pokemon black2/white2

[corvusphilia]

★ HOW THEY ACT WHEN THEY HAVE A CRUSH (KARASUNO EDITION)

୨ৎ featuring: daichi sawamura, koshi sugawara, asahi azumane, yuu nishinoya, ryunosuke tanaka, tobio kageyama, shoyo hinata, kei tsukishima, tadashi yamaguchi, keishin ukai

୨ৎ notes: first post!! rq are open guys send shit IN (omg haikyuu blog in 2024!!???). also yes i plan on writing crush headcanons for the other teams as well :>

also worth mentioning this is NOT timeskip and reader is implied to be around the same age as the characters (so highschool for most and adult for ukai)

i was gonna write for the girls as well but ive been writing this for the past 4 days and im tired 😭

★ DAICHI SAWAMURA ?!

He genuinely thinks acting like he's your dad or something is a good way of flirting. Sugawara teases him about it constantly. "Do you want to ask them out on a date or to sign adoption papers?"

And I don't mean it only in the cute way. He will scold you if you forget your jacket or something. But the words quickly catch in his throat when he gives you his and you put it on for the first time. Maybe you should keep forgetting yours, actually. For no reason. No reason at all.

Will bring extra food in case you're still hungry by the end of recess. Even makes mental notes about your favorites. This guy is a GENTLEMAN.

While he does reprimand you, it's nothing like he does to his team or his friends. In fact, he seems to calm down whenever you come into the picture. Nishinoya and Tanaka absolutely take advantage of it.

Suga might be the vice-captain, but the team treats you like the second in command. Doesn't matter if you're not part of the team or even a manager. You're now the second parent by correlation.

Speaking of which, Sugawara and Asahi absolutely play wingmen. Suga will come off a bit too strongly, talking about how Daichi is such a catch and you two would make such a cute couple, while Asahi sounds like he's doing a job interview in Daichi's name, listing all his positive qualities and whatnot. Their hearts are in the right place, at least.

He doesn't hesitate much before asking you out. He doesn't want to risk ruining your friendship, but he doesn't want to live with the regret of what could have been if he gave it a shot, either.

The sun was lazily setting in the horizon, painting the sky pleasant hues of orange and pink. It wasn't unusual for Daichi to walk you home — he insisted on it whenever he had the time, even he meant he would only get to his house past nightfall —, but he was weidly quiet. He smiled calmly when you questioned him on it, giving you a look and a sigh.

He came to a stop, standing in front of you. He took a deep breath before reaching into his bag, grabbing what looked like a note and holding it in both hands before stretching it towards you and bowing politely. His grasp was slightly shaky.

"I've been meaning to ask you this for a while..." He started, his voice soft, keeping his gaze on the ground. Maybe he was just being overly polite, or maybe he was a bit too scared to look you in the eyes. "You make me... incredibly happy, Y/N. I would like to do the same for you. If you'll let me, that is." He finally glanced up, looking at you through his eyelashes and his posture still low, his eyes filled equally with nervousness and hope. "I don't want to leave any doubts, so... I'll just go ahead and say it. Will you be mine?"

★ KOSHI SUGAWARA ?!

This guy is so whipped, it's not even funny. He doesn't even officially ask you out because he makes it so obvious he likes you. Like, c'mon, EVERYONE can tell he wants to marry you already.

The type to run up to you just to give you something he grabbed or bought because it made him think of you. Which happens very often, because he thinks of you all the time.

Very affectionate. Holds your hand whenever you two walk somewhere and hugs you as a greeting and as goodbye. Might even slip in a kiss on your cheek if he's feeling a little silly.

And god forbid some poor bastard mentions your name in a five mile radius of him. This motherfucker will take any chance he can get to yap about how amazing you are and how much he adores you and—

SO supportive. Genuinely, he thinks you're so talented in everything you do. If you have a specific thing you're passionate about, be ready for him to be bragging to everybody about it. More proud of your accomplishments than his own.

Straight up introduces you to people as his significant other after some time. What? He never asked to be your boyfriend? Well, it's not like you were gonna say no anyway, so...

"Y/N!" The cold winter air causes little wisps of smoke to form from his mouth as he runs over to you through the courtyard, an infectious smile on his face. He stops right in front of you, resting his hands on his knees for just a few seconds to catch his breath before holding out a bouquet in your direction. Roses, baby's breath, and cornflowers.

His smile grows even more when you grab it, a snicker escaping him at the slightly flushed look on your face. "So pretty, right? I saw it and thought of you, so obviously I had to get it." He explains, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Don't look at the price tag, I forgot to take it off." He adds.

He waves a hand dismissively at your 'thank you'. "Don't mention it. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't get you something nice every now and then?" He mentions casually, and lets out a thoughtful hum when you mention that you two are, in fact, not officially dating.

"I guess I did never outright say it, huh? That's my mistake." For some reason, he doesn't sound bothered or reluctant at all. Instead, he grabs your hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Well, no reason to waste even more time. Come on, let me take you on our first official date."

★ ASAHI AZUMANE ?!

He doesn't flirt, let's get that out of the way. His idea of hitting on you is looking at you from a distance while praying you have more balls than him and will take initiative.

If you don't really know each other much, he's scared you'll be put off by his appearance and size. If you do, he's scared you think he's too much of a coward and have no interest.

His insecurities play a huge role in his reluctance. He thinks you're so pretty, and smart, and talented, and he's... well, himself. It's almost difficult to tell if he likes you or not, because while he is polite whenever you interact, he acts that way with everyone (who takes the time to actually speak with him, that is), and he actually seems to avoid you whenever possible, too.

Gets desperate enough he asks everyone in the team for advice. Daichi just says to "Be yourself", to which Suga gives him a side eye with a "Yeah, I don't think that'll work" comment, and the two start arguing rather than actually helping the poor guy out.

Nishinoya and Tanaka are... less than helpful, as you might imagine. Kageyama and Hinata don't know the first thing about dating, and he wasn't about to ask Tsukishima, either. Surprisingly (or not), the good advice came from Yagamuchi and Kiyoko.

It basically summed up to the fact that he needs to make his move before someone else does. Nothing too dramatic, but enough to let you know he's serious about it. At the end of the day, they had a 5 steps plan written out.

He had everything set to go, even went as far as to memorize a script he practiced in front of the mirror a few times this morning. However, when he finally stood in front of you, the sun of the afternoon hitting your features just right, his mind went blank.

"Huh..." He was slightly hunched over, absentmindedly fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. He quickly cleared his throat, seemingly remembering he couldn't just stand there looking at you like a creep, and reached inside his bag to pull out a small, heart-shaped chocolate box. He took a deep, shaky breath.

"I-I, huh... I need to tell you something..." He starts nervously, his brown eyes finally meeting yours, filled with fear and sincerity. "I... I've liked you for a while now, and..." That is not the script he planned out. "You're always on my mind. W-when I'm with you, everything just feels right. I don't really know how to say this, I'm probably making a fool out of myself, but... I like you. A lot."

★ YUU NISHINOYA ?!

This fucking guy has no shame whatsoever. Quite literally asked you to go out with him before he even told you his name. I firmly believe he's a love-at-first-sight kind of dude.

Now, how things progress depends highly on your reaction. If you're a bit shy, he thinks it's the cutest thing ever, but he will take it down a notch to not make you uncomfortable. Will still flirt, don't get me wrong, but a bit more lowkey. If you just accept or — god forbid — flirt back, he shortcuts. A hot person?? Likes HIM??? WHAT.

Like, all of his previous bravado is out the window if you accept. He flirts with a few people, sure, but he never actually expects to go anywhere. It's just kind of a fact that he's going to get turned down. So when things actually go right he doesn't know what to do anymore.

It doesn't last too long, though. After he takes a few minutes for his mind to process what just happened, he's bouncing off the walls.

SO protective. We've seen it with Kiyoko. Anytime a guy looks at you for just a little too long he's growling and foaming at the mouth. Better keep him from biting anyone's ankles.

"Wow, you're SUPER pretty!" The boy stated enthusiastically, stars in his eyes as he stares at you intently, seemingly trying to commit every detail to memory. You've seen him around, usually near the gym, but it looks like this is the first time he has seen you.

He takes a step closer, determination written all over his face. "Will you go out with me?" He asks a bit loudly and suddenly. When your face flushes, he takes a small step back, chuckling. "Ah— I'm Yuu Nishinoya, by the way! Probably should've said that first."

He nods happily when you introduce yourself as well, his eagerness returning to the surface. "Well, you didn't really answer me, so I'll ask again — wanna go out with me?" He repeats, half cocky half sheepish. However, his entire face falls when you give a positive response.

His eyes are wide and he just stares at you, mouth slightly agape. When you question if he's feeling well, his ears flush red as he seems to have find his voice again. "A-ARE YOU SERIOUS!? You said yes!? Wha— am I dreaming? I'm dreaming, aren't I!?" Despite the disbelief in his voice, he's smiling — a huge, excited, thankful smile. He's not leaving your side anytime soon.

★ RYUNOSUKE TANAKA ?!

Since I already covered love at first sight with Noya and we've already seen how he's like with Kiyoko, I'm going down a different route: friends to lovers. Also because this specific trope with him makes me SICK /pos.

He's a friendly guy when you get to know him and past his badboy persona, so he has many friends I feel like. He initially treats you like he does the others, being his usual weird ass self we all know and love.

But one time he sees you laugh at one of his shenanigans and he just pauses. Oh. Oh. This is not good.

Have you always been so pretty? I mean, he already knew you were, but this is another level. Now you're like, angelic. Ethereal, even. What just happened.

Immediately runs to Noya because he doesn't know what to do or even think. He just sees you as a friend, right? A close friend. A hot, funny, amazing, kissable friend. Yeah, that doesn't sound right even to him when he says it outloud.

Doesn't take long for him to come to terms with it honestly and the entire team has to hold him back from proposing to you the next time he sees you.

He waits by the classroom's door, an uncharacteristically nervous look in his eyes. He sucks in a sharp breath when the bell rings and you stand from your desk, slinging your bag over your shoulder while making your way to the exit. "Y/N." He calls out to gain your attention, and his face immediately flushes when you look at him.

Your eyes are so beautiful it's unfair. He lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding in. "Will you ma—" He pauses, looking at something right behind you. You look back to see Nishinoya half-hiding behind a wall, shaking his head 'No' quickly. Tanaka clears his throat and you look back at him. "... I-I mean, will you... Go out with me? Maybe? Please?"

He sounds almost pleading and a little unsure. He stutters an explanation when he notices your taken aback expression. "I know this came outta nowhere and I know we're like, best buds or whatever, but... God, I really wanna kiss you." His face goes bright red when he realizes what he just said and he starts rambling another flustered excuse. How cute.

★ TOBIO KAGEYAMA ?!

A little like Asahi, he just kind of stares at you from a distance and hope you get the hint. Totally unware of the fact he has a major resting bitch face and is looking at you so aggressively it looks like he's thinking about beating your ass after school or something.

Completely oblivious to the fact he likes you. He's never liked anyone before. His entire life has always been volleyball this and volleyball that — he doesn't know the first thing about crushes.

Surprisingly thoughtful, though. The type to get you your favorite drink from the vending machine when he goes to grab his milk box. He doesn't even think much about it, it's just so natural to him.

Also very perceptive. He comes off as an airhead most of the time, but when it comes to volleyball, he's incredibly observant. Now he's the same way with you as well. Always knows what you're feeling before you have to say anything or if you need something.

And that's how everyone else realizes he likes you and tell him about it (because again, he genuinely could not tell that his feelings are romantic on his own. How can someone be so smart and so dumb at the same time).

He's in denial for a good while, but the more he thinks about it, the more sense it makes. Some teammates try to give him advice (because they don't trust him at all to do this by himself), but in the end he ignores all of it and just says what feels right at the time.

"I swear, you'd be helpless without me." He grumbles, dragging you away from the confrontation, his hand firmly but not tightly wrapped around your wrist. Karasuno had a game against another school, and one of the guys from said school apparently thought you were really cute. So much so he was trying everything to get your contact information before Tobio stepped in.

Just thinking about the situation pisses him off. He scoffs, squeezing your wrist slightly, but there's something more than just frustration on his face. Doubt, perhaps? He looks back at you, eyebrows furrowed. "You weren't really thinking about giving him your number, were you?" He asks, his voice almost too soft before it rises in tone again.

"I mean, he's average looking at best, and a shit player, and... And I'm better!" He blurted, cheeks flushing slightly. He averts his gaze, his thumb grazing over your knuckles. "So... Just give me your number, dumbass."

★ SHOYO HINATA ?!

I need to mention, he looks like he's so easy to fall in love with. Like he's so kind and considerate and with a high emotional intelligence. Very much boyfriend material I wish more people would see him like that instead of an uwu baby yk.

Anyway, back on track. I feel like he'd fluctuate between shy and bold a lot. Like, if you flirt or give hints that you might like him back, he's blushing and kicking his feet and shit, but it is very much not uncommon for him to take initiative.

Especially after matches. The adrenaline is still pumping in his veins and he barely even registers that maybe he's being a bit forward.

If you don't know him really well it's a bit difficult to tell that he has feelings because he's just. so nice. to everyone. But if you do, it's hard to miss the tenderness in his eyes everytime he looks at you.

Insists you come to his games. It's simple math in his head: the two things he loves the most (aside from, yknow, his mom and sister and all that) are volleyball and you, so if he can just mix them together, he'll be the happiest guy in the planet.

It was a tough game — Karasuno barely managed to win right during the last set. The winning point was, of course, scored by Shoyo. The crowd was cheering, his teammates screaming loudly and gathering around him, but in the middle of the ruckus, his eyes are fixated on a single someone.

He dodged Nishinoya and Tanaka and, to the team's confusion, ran towards the stands. It wasn't until everyone say you simultaneously running in his direction that they understood what was going on. Shoyo practically pounced on you, wrapping his arms around your torso tightly and doing his best to lift you and give you a little spin, almost knocking both of you to the ground in his attempt.

His smile was bright enough to outshine the sun. He pulled away just a little so he could look you in the eyes, the two of you still intertwined. "Thank you so much for being here!" He exclaimed, like his success was solely due to you — to your presence. The look in his eyes was a little different as he leaned in slightly before hesitating. Daichi called him over so they could formally bid farewell to the other team, and he gave you a final squeeze before reluctantly pulling away. "Wait for me, okay? I'll walk you home today!"

★ KEI TSUKISHIMA ?!

This fucking guy is so in denial. No, I'm serious, he'd rather eat glass than admit that he likes somebody. He's always seen relationships and especially crushes as a waste of time and energy, things he couldn't be bothered to spare.

So he's extra mean when he realizes he likes you. Is it an attempt to push you away? Kind of. Is it because he genuinely kind of hates you for the way you make him feel? A little. Is it because he's secretly an awkward motherfucker that doesn't know a thing about how to be romantic? Mostly.

News flash: it doesn't work, independently of your reaction. If you just ignore him and don't give him a reaction, he's frustrated but grows to respect you even more for dealing with his sassy ass with that much grace. If you get sad, he feels genuinely bad for the first time in his life. If you get angry, turns out you look really damn cute when pissed off and that's not helping his case either. If you sass him back, he might just get on one knee.

So he just... gives up. He still teases and pokes fun at you, obviously, but now it doesn't sound as mean. If anything, it's friendly banter. He can't deny that he enjoys having you around.

It raised some eyebrows when Tsukishima told everyone he was leaving practice early because he was helping you study. Hinata and Kageyama had to practically get on their knees and beg him to tutor them, and even then, he always looked so annoyed doing it. With you, he almost had a little smile on his face. Almost.

He snapped his fingers in front of your face a few times. "Hey, idiot, pay attention." He scolded, pointing back to the open book in front of you. "I'm not explaining it a second time." He added, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms, his long legs stretched out in front of him.

He can't help the small grin that forms on his face when you whine about his 'mean' treatment. "You haven't seen me being mean yet, pipsqueak." He teased, looking down at you through his glasses. He exhales through his nose in an almost-laugh, his voice dropping just barely over a whisper, a tenderness in his tone you're not really familiar with. "You're lucky I kinda like you."

★ TADASHI YAMAGUCHI ?!

Dude is SO flustered around you, like, constantly. Like can-barely-get-a-sentence-out typa shit. Kei has to verbally smack him and tell him to fucking get it together — he's not gonna win you over by being a wuss (or maybe he will, who knows what you're into).

But that's mostly during the honeymoon stage. After the butterflies in his stomach start to go away, they're replaced by a deep sense of comfort whenever he's around you.

Takeda said that Tadashi would have the least trouble out of everyone when it came to dating and he was RIGHT. This guy is such a sweetie. Always saving you a seat and sharing his lunch with you and just watching out for you in general. He's so considerate :(

You make him not so insecure anymore and that's all he could have asked for. Whenever he messes up or just acts like a dork, he feels his heart drop thinking that he messes up any chance he might have had with you, but when you just smile and reassure him he falls in love all over again.

Tadashi has been profusely apologizing to you for the past fifteen minutes now, no matter how many times you tried to insist that it's fine. He was practicing his serves and you were unfortunate enough to get a ball right to the back of the head, and he rushed you to the nurse's office immediately despite you saying it didn't hurt that much.

"I'm so sorry, I promise it was an accident!" He said for what must have been the third time. There wasn't much that the nurse could do aside from giving you headache medicine and telling you to lie down for a while, and he decided to miss practice so he could stay with you while you rested.

"Does it hurt?" He questioned, his eyes soft and full of worry, and his shoulders tensed a little at your answer of 'kinda'. He grabbed your hand, idly playing with your fingers, either to calm you or himself down. "... I want to make it up to you somehow." He stated gently, not daring to look at you. "... I'll walk you home and buy you a snack from the convenience store, okay? You can ask for whatever you want, no matter the price." He paused, then added with a sheepish smile, "Well... Maybe the price matters a little bit."

★ KEISHIN UKAI ?!

Listen. He definitely looks like he has rizz. Does he actually? No. Absolutely not. Like, he has so much negative rizz it does a full spin and actually works out. Absolute man failure.

Deadass the kind to do that yawn and arm around your shoulder thing and think he's nailing it. Like, dude you're not THAT old, c'mon now.

Fluctuates between being a gentleman and just being a scrub a lot. Will open the car door and pull a chair for you only to light up a cigarette and not notice the smoke is going straight in your direction until you start coughing.

He does try, though. Definitely makes an effort to take you on a nice date whenever his money allows it (and sometimes when it doesn't). He's had flings before, sure, but you're special and he doesn't want to mess it up like he always does.

You barely heard the doorbell ringing with the sound of the rain hitting your roof. When you opened it, Keishin stood there, absolutely drenched in a dress shirt and an undone tie around his neck, water dripping down from his hair to his face as he holds out a bouquet in your direction. He sighs deeply.

"I wanted to surprise you, but my car broke down halfway here and then this fuckin' rain hit." He explained, rubbing the back of his neck. You told him to come inside and grabbed him a towel, and he started to dry his hair before sitting on the couch when he was sure he wasn't dripping water all over the place anymore.

He glanced at you, a somewhat guilty look on his face. "... Sorry I messed it up. I wanted to do something nice for once, but..." He trailed off. You sat next to him, a hand on his shoulder as you reassured him it was okay. When you suggested watching a movie since he was already here anyway, he perked up, almost like an invisible tail started wagging behind him. "Really?" He questioned, a bit baffled before trying to hold back a smile as he relaxed next to you, reaching an arm around your shoulders. "... That doesn't sound half bad, doll face."

© ─ corvusphilia ; do not steal, copy, edit, translate or reupload

thanks for reading!

[isthedogawolfdog]

I just saw a reel on Instagram, which I absolutely refuse to link because I don’t want to give it more views so I attached a recording of some of the more relevant parts above, but basically this woman (who I assume was a photographer due to the cameras and such) was in the middle of the Arctic doing who knows what. She starts off the video saying something “incredible” happened, and the footage then cuts to her being surrounded by roughly 13 wild wolves. Yeah, you read that right. Due to the poor quality that is my recording, I’ll try and break down what’s happening to the best of my ability.

Throughout the video you can see that the wolves seem not quite quite laid back, but aren’t scared. The wolf closest to the camera at roughly seven seconds in is regarding them with a look that kinda says “hey, what’s this?”.* All the wolves are either walking along on their path, or taking a closer look, not necessarily circling the two individuals but definitely keeping an eye on them. This is probably due to them not seeing people at all prior to this experience. Now, I know that might sound odd, but some areas in the Arctic or places super far north in general have wolves that just haven’t seen people. There was a documentary (which I forget the name of) that covered researchers interacting with a pack who hadn’t seen people. There was also a book (Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat) published a while ago that dealt with a pack similarly. When described, the behavior in both the book and documentary kinda reminds me of the wolves in this video.

A quick look at the animals tells me these people aren’t in any real danger, however, should the wolves get more curious and get closer things could probably get a bit tricky. Wolves being naturally neophobic, attacks on humans from healthy wild wolves are slim to none these days. Plus, you really shouldn’t interact with wild animals no matter what they’re acting like. Preferably these people would’ve tried scaring them away the second they saw them approaching (acting aggressive, maintaining eye contact, and whatever you do, don’t run!), but instead, we had to have a Disney princess moment.

In the extremely rare chance that the wolves had seen these people as food, we would be seeing more quicker movement, heads below their shoulders**, various behaviors to test and see whether the people were fit enough for a snack, etc. though this is not the case here. So why, might you be wondering, is this bad if the wolves aren’t hunting the people and the people aren’t interacting with the wolves?

Well, you should never, never, interact with wild animals like this, which if you’ve been following my blog for a while now you probably already know. These wolves, if they so happen to see people again, now associate people with something they can get close to without them getting hurt, which works great if you want a cool selfie, but isn’t good if you are a park ranger, a worried parent, or any other person in a position of authority really, let alone if you have a gun. Historically, if a wild animal (especially a wolf!) gets too close to people, they get shot. It doesn’t matter if the animal was exhibiting dangerous behavior or not, people can’t risk it. Basically, wolf getting closer to people and realizing they can do it without problems = them trying again at a time where things are different and people think “oh no, big and wolf!” and kill it.

I’m not sure how the encounter ended, but later footage shows the wolves farther away rallying as a group, so I assume everything went okayish despite the obvious errors. TL:DR, these people are endangering these animals with their need for a cool video, don’t be a Disney princess, and stay away from wild animals even if they look friendly.

*the wolf closest to the camera has its ears kinda flat and to the side, this is called airplane ears by some biologists (yes seriously) and it is a sign of uncertainty.

**fun fact: theories vary, but some have guessed that prey animals can tell whether a wolf is hunting from whether or not their heads are below their shoulders or not! This would explain why we see videos of wolves calmly walking passed a herd of elk while they stay rested, and why other times the elk will bolt as soon as they see the predator.

[sensei-venus]

Gardening Adventures- Daniel LaRusso x Chubby!Reader (1/2)

(Unedited) (No big tags, Miyagi the matchmaker, Daniel being Daniel, Reader Sucks At Gardening? Can't decide when this takes place but probably around kk2 or kk3 y'all can decide.)

Reader didn't know the first thing about gardening and it showed. The multiple dead plants I her trash can made it obvious. Every single time she tries to care for a plant it always seems to die. From over watering, underwatering, not enough sun, to much sun. A few times they even died from bugs which she desperately tried to get rid of. Sadly it was too late and the poor thing would die anyway, no matter how hard she tried.

The pain of her non-green thumb only worsened when her mother moved away over the summer.

Reader thought it would be great now that she got her own place to stay rent-free with her mom moving and leaving the house to her.

The only condition? Take care of her prized garden.

The garden was huge, taking up the whole backyard with row after row of flowers and lush trees. But with Reader’s luck they would all be dead within the next year. Something that made her stomach turn.

“Now when I come to visit next spring all of my precious little plant baby better be doing good! You know that garden has won four years in a row at our HOA garden competition. I would hate to have to give up the beautiful plack that they awarded us.”

“Yes Mom I know! You go on and on about how we win every year. Don't worry I promise I will keep the garden happy and healthy while you're are gone. You can count on me.” Reader says on her weekly phone call with her mother. She tries her best to sound confident. On the inside, she panicked.

“I know you will dear. If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to check out the number and address I wrote down in my notebook in the garden shed. It's the number and address of Mr.Miyagi, he's a man I met a while ago when we first moved to town. He's very good with plants! He's single-handedly the one that even got me into gardening in the first place. Please don't hesitate to call him! Love you!” the phone call was short-lived as she hung up a second later.

The chubby girl sighed as she put the phone back on the receiver.

She had no chance of keeping the garden alive! She could have to call this “ Mr.Miyagi” and hoped he could help her out. Without any kind of guidance, she knew that there was no hope of keeping all of those beautiful plants alive. The garden needed daily care and she couldn't do it all without a little bit of help.

Advice and maybe some tips were her only chance to keep all of those healthy plants in tip-top shape.

The next week she tried her absolute best to keep everything in perfect order. From going out and watering all of the flowers that needed it, to trimming any dead branches from the trees. Flowers were mid-bloom this time of year. Buds poked out and flourished in the hot California sun. She even put out some high-quality fertilizer. She spent hours outside sitting in the grass and dirt making sure every little detail was looking good. Every leaf was nice and green, every flower bud bright or nice and dark.

Only the next day to be filled with dread as the flowers slowly started to wilt a little. Way too soon to be normal. Her heart started to break as she looked at every drooping flower. All that effort only for it to fall though. The feeling of failure washed through her like a too deep of wave pulling her in. Deeper and deeper into the sad feeling of knowing she couldn't keep the yard in line.

That morning she rushes inside the small shed. Going through every drawer she finally found the small notebook her mom had told her about. She flipped through the first few pages and found a number and address scribbled on the bottom of one of the later pages.

Quickly finding her telephone she punched in the number, a small ring going through. After a minute or two someone finally picked up.

“Miyagi hai.”

Oh um hi I’m ——- daughter. She moved away about two weeks ago leaving her garden to me. She left me your number if I had any questions about taking care of the greenery and plants. Sadly I don't seem to have much luck going for me, I'm afraid I might be doing something wrong. A few of the flowers already seem to be under the weather.”

Their was a long pause, then some loud banging sounds in the background of the call. Some shouts where heard and then possible a door slamming.

“Miyagi know mother well, nice lady. You come over to Miyagi house and I show you.” before she could say another word the phone disconnected. Reader pulled the phone from her ear and looked down at it. Chewing her lip she sighed a little before putting it back on the hook.

“He didn't even ask of I had the address….god thing mom left it in that book.”

The next day she headed over the Mr.Miyagi’s place. The drive over was short but sweet, the whole drive was silent besides the sound of her car radio. A few updeat song played as she drove across the more quiet part of town. Not much was out in these parts but land. Odd to say for California but here she was, on a street so desolate she could hardly tell of anyone actually live all the way out here.

A smile pulled at her lips as she watched the clear road.

Soon enough she found herself in front of a gate with a small house behind it.

She parked Inside the small lot, filled with old cars. She silently wondered if any of them still worked by the looks of them. Most of them looked old and abandoned, but oddly enough looked very clean. Like someone had taken the time to wash and shine every single one of them. Getting out of her car she followed the fence and found a small gate, pushing it open she was met with a beautiful sight.

A beautiful landing laid behind the simple fence. The grass was a lush green, light foliage around the yard. A pathway of wood paths with a pond right in the middle. It looked like a small paradise!

She quietly walked in and shut the gate behind her, walking slowly though the yard. She was careful to follow the small pathway. Walking along it she stared down at the pond as she got closer to it. Looking down she smiled, taking notice of the large koi fish that swam around the clear water. They varied in color and size, different patterns and even shapes.

Minutes passed just watching them until she remembered why she had come so far. Her eyes glance over to the small but nice-looking house in the back of the yard. Walking over to it she notices that the door is open. Looking inside she finds a quaint little home. Gently she knocks on the door, waiting for some kind of response.

An old man quickly came from out of a back room, his face relaxed as he walked over. His age seemed to give him no trouble in moving quickly to great her. He gave only a slight smile as he said “You must be Reader-San, your mother tell me many things about you. You say, need help, with plants, correct.” Reader smiled and nodded. Hopefully, she had not come out there for nothing.

Mr.Miyagi seemed nice enough from their small introduction. Her mom seemed pleased with the man as well so he had to be good at what he did. He was quick to usher her into his home.

She followed him as he guided her though the very small home.

“I will teach how to take care of plants.” He spoke to her in almost bear english. He led her to a small table where he motioned for her to sit down. He grabbed an old book off a nearby shelf and laid it on the table in front of her. With a brow raised she looked to him. He seemed to understand saying “Book good for learning. Lots of stuff on plants. Mother Love flowers, Miyagi write done for her in spare time. Hope it help.” Reader looks back at the book. There is no real cover just a hard-back lick notebook of some kind. Flipping it open there are some random notes. All of which are written in neat handwriting.

Tilting her head she starts to notice how the writing starts to drift off. Flipping a few pages Reader starts to question some things.

“Mr, Miyagi did your really write all of this yourself? The hand writing seems to change after a few pages-”

“Oh that is Daniel-Sa-”

Before could finish his sentence a loud crash came from outside the house followed by some swearing. Miyagi rolls his eyes as he slowly moves to look outside. He buffs before saying “Miyagi said move, not break!” he slaps at the door frame a little. Reader can't help but laugh a little with has Reader giggling a bit. Miyagi seems to hear that and gives her a glance making her they and cover up her laughter.

She doesn't notice the small smirk he has on his lips as he turns back to the door.

“Daniel-San, put down and come in. I want you to meet Reader-San!”

(Will be a part two of this, I have a few young Daniel asks but I really wanted to make this one. This is for the “Daniel sluts” as they have come to call themselves here on my blog.😂

Love that for y'all!)

[sonicjustbecause]

And if... (a matter of point of view... maybe?? Not sure, honestly).

To me is jarring seeing how Iizuka describle Shadow (he pratically has only negative traits, no positives, yet he has no weak spots, like an anti Mary-Sue because 'Ultimatehhh'), and how we perceive him from stories and games from the '00s and then from the '20s.

Perhaps, the Shadow that is the closest to Iizuka descriptions is IDW Shadow.

Verbalase youtube

However I remember years ago, when I was in the Dragon Ball fandom, I was reading a blog on Tumbls. It belonged to a Japanese, living in Japan who wrote in a perfect English. So he also liked to follow and read western blogs and forums on Dragon Ball.

What surprised him is how we perceive Vegeta. We describled him with a deep and rich analysis. He as Japanese would describle Vegeta as:

A stern, old fashioned Japanese householder.

Is not wrong, but is not the thing we notice most. We notice that he is proud, that he has inferiority complex, that he loves his family and that he enjoy fighting. And many other things. Perhaps Japaneses don't focus on those traits. They think they are not important.

Partly I considered that as a Japanese, Iizuka might focus on a different angle of the same thing. Or japanese might perceve the very same thing in a total different way than we do.

But I'm not to sure. Iizuka has always been quite inconsistent, he tends to change his mind very often. My issue with him is the fact that after he changed his mind, he totally denies he ever said differently in the past and I'm not blunt here. A lot of people have issues with him.

I prefer Toriyama. he was more intellectually honest. He messed up a lot, but he admitted he had a poor memory and forgot many thing. At the same time he though this flaw could be a source of cooler idea.

Like recently when he said that Shadow is based on Spawn when until last year we all know he was based on Vegeta - although softer and more open minded - there are also notes about that. (Never heard about Spawn associated with Shadow before 2024) .

However Shadow was describled very differently in early days, and the descriptions were provided by the Japaneses:

- Kind of a ninja (and it showed in Sa2, he acted smartly more than brutish, ninja are known to keep a low profile. In fact he actually won in SA2, mostly thanks to his brain, before changing his mind) - Thoughful (doesn't laugh) - it was very obvious. Actually, we don't know how his laugh sounds like. Except for ShtH 2005, but there it was a 'what if if Shadow goes full villain?' so... - Vegeta (post Bu)

Also (By Maekawa)

- Dainty

What David Humphrey was told by those from SoJ, when he gave his voice to Shadow in Sa2

- Menacing but with a heart

Sounds quite balanced and detailed enough. The traits are mostly neutral. Flexible enough to work both as villain and as hero without loosing his charm.

I agree with this description made by japaneses in the early days, although I'm a westerner. I coul see those traits.

So I don't really know about Iizuka's view. Maybe he really wants Shadow to be OP and barely with any reemeding qualities and that's unique with him?.

And maybe Vegeta as a typical old fashioned japanese dad is the unique interpretation of that person and not all Japanese think the same. In Dragon Ball Vegeta was describled differently and more in line to what most people think (I watched all the episodes where Vegeta was describled in Japanese, it matched the Italian script, nowhere I saw him describled as 'old fashioned Japanese dad')

Might be a matter of very personal experiences.

[liketwoswansinbalance]

Why Rafal Is (Likely) the Elder Brother

It makes so much more sense for Rafal to be the elder brother of the pair. I doubt the brothers’ birth order will ever be revealed, because, so far, it’s irrelevant to telling the story as we know it. But, it could add to the story if we knew. I picked up on some possible references to fairy tales. Also, again, I just love parallels. And, not only that, I felt like analysis.

Disclaimer: Since this is informal, I didn’t want to bother to cite sources. Part of what I’ve used represents my own prior knowledge, and was cherry-picked to fit my views. I’m well-aware that I was selective in choosing evidence, so prepare for an evident bias. Though, arguments contrary to my own are welcome!

⸻

1. BEHAVIOR -

Rhian’s characterization is younger, more emotional, “weaker,” dependent, in need of protection, partly because he’s Good and cannot Attack, easily taken advantage of, insecure of himself, vulnerable, and possibly, gullible. He is just too easy to exploit, potentially incapable of being alone, and clingy as well. I headcanon that as a child he had separation anxiety in regards to Rafal because he relies on Rafal so often. His attachment is clearly present. Also, as for being emotional, we know he’s sensitive to physical pain, and his reaction to Hook’s betrayal is that he sobs. In contrast, Rafal shuts down emotionally. Also: Alas, poor Rhian! He believes in thought crime! He deserves better, and he blamed himself for his Evil deeds, which are only partially his fault.

Furthermore, Rafal has classic eldest sibling psychology in his character (if not actual oldest child syndrome).

From Google searches, I've managed to find these traits which apply to him. (Partly paraphrased, didn’t think it mattered if I cited.) Thus, common characteristics of oldest children include:

“Bossy and/or dominating behavior.” (Definitely present in TLEA and Rise.)

“They might want to lead and dominate/Potential for leadership.” (Completely and 100% true. Rafal himself thrives in leadership, even if his victims or students don’t when he’s in power because of all that he subjects them to.)

“High self-esteem.” (Seems obvious enough. His ego.)

“Unhealthy competitive behavior.” (Sounds like how the brothers thought to convert Aladdin to their side and the runaway train at the Snow Ball.)

“Strong-willed and independent.” (He deserts his brother. Need I say more?)

“Tightly-wound.” (I think this crops up with the eventual anxiety that manifests when he is reunited with Rhian, like when he looks into Rhian’s eyes after Rhian tells him off about his Nevers’ ‘SOS’ signs.)

“A sense of responsibility, and ambition.” (Yes, usually.)

“Nevertheless, the stress that comes from feeling ‘dethroned’ by the birth of younger siblings may also result in some less than positive qualities such as jealousy and competitiveness.” (It is not necessarily jealousy in Rafal’s case, but the competitiveness is there. Rhian has it too. And, the competition was probably amplified by the fact that they are so close in age, as that happens in siblings.)

“They’re also typically more confident and assertive.” (True.)

“They might become obsessive.” (Nothing could be more true, haha.)

“The oldest child becomes a protector of the younger ones. It is a good quality until it turns extreme.” (Self-explanatory.)

“If you find your child going overboard trying to make something perfect to the level of obsession, it is unhealthy for them and the younger siblings. Even the younger children may get used to the protection and become dependent, while the oldest ones could lose themselves to their siblings and become obsessive.” (Could be true for the most part. I could imagine Rafal locking Rhian up just to keep him out of trouble.)

“Firstborns are particularly anxious.” (I headcanon that Rafal has some measure of anxiety, even a slight anxiety disorder, in that he leaps too far in his mind, thinking the whole Woods will be thrust into peril if his brother, by some miracle, manages to accomplish converting every last soul to Good’s side. It’s a reasonable worry, but still—it’s largely unrealistic. In his mind, he goes dark and far, fast. To the more remote possibilities, possibly.)

“They might become controlling.” (What better adjective is there to describe him with?)

“Overachieving, determined, opinionated.” (Perhaps, the drive to become School Master. We don’t know if he wanted the position, but he must have? He relishes it after all. He probably has strong opinions, and is more vocal about them than Rhian is about his. Also, he must have held some ideas as to how he’d rule the Schools before taking on the role.)

“The pressure of taking charge of all responsibilities.” (Sounds about right. He fixed almost everything that went tangibly wrong in Rise, set everything right briefly before he went off alone again after the books. And, he potentially can’t trust Rhian to do anything alone ever again. Too bad the results of his effort didn’t last.)

2. FAIRY-TALE CONVENTION -

The eldest brother is typically a wicked elder brother. Sometimes, there’s multiple, abusive, wicked elder brothers, all in line for the throne or an inheritance, before their good, youngest brother, who is usually a virtuous, selfless, pious, saintly, God-fearing (Storian-revering?) youth of a prince.

Less commonly and more present in modern fiction, the youngest brother, since he’s not the heir, will be jealous, and will be evil himself. This could reflect how Rhian gravitates toward, is attracted to, or is lured in by Evil men.

Often, the elder brother(s) is always cruel to the younger. The youngest is always the most pure and good soul, can put up with abuse silently, and is most commonly rescued. He will trust too easily, leaves himself too vulnerable, and is open to deception as a result. Again, this reminds me slightly of the time Rafal turned his skin invisible when he spooked Rhian in that one flashback from Rise. Though, that act wasn’t entirely mean-spirited on Rafal’s part.

Plus, there’s the many versions of the classic Brothers Grimms’ tale where elder brothers go off to seek their fortunes, foolishly disregard or insult a person in need of help, and return home, punished by a curse. Then, the younger, “worthless” brother goes out and succeeds at that which his brothers couldn’t, usually with magical aid of some kind and by means of the kindness of his heart.

Also, that younger siblings as the weakest and most vulnerable up against foes makes high, life-or-death stakes all the more riveting. It’s good storytelling practice.

An aside: And we wonder why Rafal has trust issues—

His brother, his own brother, trusted a man he never wanted to hire, and made him his replacement and substitute in some powerful role.

Oh, I bemoan (and laugh at) Rhian's foolhardy decisions. Sometimes, I like to anticipate chaotic results while reading though. It's fun when everything amps up to a crescendo, to the payoff.

But anyway, his brother trusted two men he shouldn't have trusted, fell in love, etc., but doesn't. Trust. His. Own. Brother. AAHHH. This is so incredibly frustrating, and the crux of Rise’s plot.

So frustrating. He's your idiot, Rafal. So don't kill him (please.)

How can this be? Rhian trusts the wrong people, and when his brother comes back for him, to save him, he doesn’t trust Rafal!

You little ingrate, Rhian! Rafal is re-committed. Even if you can’t parse out his loyalties. Don’t distrust him because he’s Evil. Just because of that, really? What about all the men you went after? At the moment, he’s committed to upholding the Balance. And he’s already under a lot of stress. Please don’t doubt him, Rhian. I mean, look at him. He’s suffered so much. For you. And he’s got anxiety. Look at him. The intensity... anxiety in his eyes. (Referring to the scene after Vulcan's death when Rhian observes all of Rafal's renovations to Evil.) I feel so sorry for him and his impending tragedy. He’s going to try to prevent the unpreventable, the inevitable, the prophecy, for you.

If only you knew, Rhian.

And, Rafal is definitely the world-weary one, and the skeptic, through-and-through. How is he not exhausted?

3. A LOVELY PARALLEL TO SOPHIE AND AGATHA - (You knew this was coming, didn’t you? They are my reference point to Rise. The other set of twins.)

Sophie is older and the Evil twin, and so, Rafal should be too. Their roles are perfectly set as they are, and Rafal and Sophie are so similar.

But honestly, the more visible narrative parallels I thought were the Rhian and Sophie parallels: falling in love too easily, being exploited for power, and being taken advantage of overall.

4. BONUS FAIRY-TALE CONVENTION -

For his poor judgment, Rhian could easily be called “clod,” “simpleton,” “little Simpleton,” “the fool,” “the laughingstock,” “the lucky fool.” Maybe, “the fool that Fortune smiles upon.” (Not really though, considering his run of luck.) Perhaps, “the unlucky fool” then.

Like the typical youngest sons, he could be the lucky one, if the plot gave him the chance to be.

Maybe, he’d be “mute,” or “dumb” by its secondary definition. He could be “the mute” compared to Rafal who does have more of a voice, who discloses his own, harsh opinions. By that, I mean, Rhian is more likely to lie to save face because he seems image-obsessed, and he is more likely to lie to avoid trampling anyone’s feelings, I would think. In my interpretation, Rafal cares not for what anyone thinks. He cares for no one’s opinion, and just is.

[miniscrew-anon]

HSH Febuwhump Day 9 - Voice Loss

This one here is a prequel to yesterdays post, “Panic”

----

Sky doesn’t even see the blow coming. 

(His head was in the clouds, as Sunny would say. She always seems to make his worst qualities sound pleasant. Even though there;s nothing pleasant about letting his mind wander when he should be alert on guard duty. He can’t really help it though. He’s had so much to think about recently - Champion, the coma, the Goron chiefs death, the murmuring about secret projects, Princess Flora’s involvement, the Sheika’s edginess, Wild -) 

One minute he’s turning the corner on his usual patrol route in the castle halls. The next, a hand is striking like a cobra and chopping him clean across the throat. 

The strike to his esophagus cuts off any chance of calling for help. Sky wheezes painfully, backing away from his opponent. He coughs violently, his airway closing from the blow and making his vision spotty. He barely stays on his feet, stumbling back and pulling his gun. A second strike slaps the weapon out of his hand.

“Mmm, poor thing,” A man’s voice croons at him. Through the spots in his eyes Sky can see the attacker is dressed in black and white, with a blood red cloak over one shoulder. His black lipstick not nearly as dark as the look in his eye. “Did a naughty cat get your tongue? So sorry! But I really don’t want to deal with a horde of knights. It would be so bothersome.”

Sky straightens up in a mere second, shaking off the stunning blow. He snarls silently.

He doesn’t recognize the man despite his striking features. He’s no guard, but he doesn’t seem to be Yiga, either. Sky doesn’t remember hearing anything about another faction or high-profile target like this man. 

“Oh? What's with that look? Oh, I see - you’re simply awe-struck at the sight of me! I don’t blame you. I am simply marvelous.” The man struck a pose, hands behind his head, legs in a relevé.

Sky glares. It doesn’t matter. He has no idea how this man got this far into the castle but Sky wasn’t going to let him go any further. He raises his sword, gun out of reach. It’s fine. Sky’s always been better with a blade anyway.

He attacks - a straightforward strike to gauge his opponent. The man smiles and dodges easily.

He’s obviously skilled, keeping on his toes and evading anything Sky throws his way by mere centimeters. He taunts the knight, smirking and cooing whenever Sky misses him. 

“My my, you’re not half bad. Much more talented than any of the other failures I’ve killed tonight.” The man leaps back to avoid a stab, eyes glittering in delight. “But still just not enough. So sad, Sky, is it?”

Sky wheezes in surprise. How did this man know his name?

The man places his hand delicately on his hip, expression oozing smugness. “Surprised I know who you are? Don’t be, Sky child. I’ve actually had my eye on you for quite some time. It’s hard not to, with a face like that. I’ve watched you for so long that this is a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to see your gentle expression - twisted in agony!”

His hand shoots out, knives flying. Sky manages to block two of them with his blade. A third one digs into his side. Thankfully his uniform is strong enough to keep it from penetrating, although the impact makes him wince. Damn - just how strong is this guy?

“Oh?” The man hums happily, “Do I have to try harder to be satisfied? How wonderful! It’s really only fun if I have to work for it!”

“W-who…?” Sky manages to say. His throat is burning. It comes out as barely a whisper. The man hears him anyway. 

“Who? Oh, where are my manners?” The man bows with a flourish. Sky isn’t stupid enough to fall for such an obvious trap, although that just seems to delight the man more. “I am Lord Ghirahim, servant and right hand of the Demon God. Pleased to make your acquaintance. And soon, pleased to make you bleed.”

He’s fast-! Is all Sky has time to think before Ghirahim is on him.

The man uses his fists, arms adorned with metallic gloves. He breaks through Sky’s guard and lands several hits. His fists are like blurs and each punch hits like a brick. Sky takes them, barely even feeling them with the amount of adrenaline he’s pumping. He tries to regain his ground but Ghirahim seems to be everywhere, seemingly teleporting with how agile he is. 

“Ohh,” The man moans, dark ecstasy written on his face, “What an expression on your face! Confusion, fear, desperation! I love it! Give me more!”

The man’s attacks gain a vicious edge to them and Sky almost blacks out when the man strikes his throat again, his windpipe almost shattering. But he stays on his feet, finally finding an opening in Ghirahim's guard. He breaks through and lands a solid hit, a slash from the man’s hip to collarbone. The force of his blow sends Ghirahim flying, a pained shout falling from his lips. 

Sky didn’t allow himself to smile. He could feel his strike was weakened by armor - Ghirahim wasn’t done yet.

The man proves him right a second later when he leaps back to his feet, unharmed except a small nick to his chin. And a newfound murderous look in his eyes.

“Well, Sky Child. I didn’t expect that from you. Well done.” Ghirahim wipes the blood from his chin, licking it off his fingers lewdly.

Ghirahim’s own pained scream has been heard. Sky can already hear other guards calling and mobilizing. There would be backup on the scene in minutes.

“Don’t look so smug,” The man husks. “You’ve accomplished nothing. This changes nothing.”

Sky raised his blade again. All he needs to do is stall now. As soon as backup arrives Ghirahim can be taken into custody. 

Ghirahim sees through his plan. But instead of being furious, he smiles cruelly. “You don’t even realize how badly you’ve failed, do you? You probably think you’ve stopped me. That all you have to do is wait for help to arrive and the big, bad intruder will be stopped. Naivete at it’s best. You don’t really think I came alone, do you?”

He strikes a dramatic pose, batting his eyelashes. “I’ve already accomplished my mission! Yes, that’s right! As fun as you are to dance with, you were never my target. As adorable as you are, you’re just a peon. No, my Sky child. I only ever had my eyes on you because of your dancing partner.”

Sky’s breath stutters.

Ghirahim smirks, eyes crinkling in delight. “Ah, yes. Your expression is prefect, my dear. Confidence shattered in a moment. Beautiful. But yes, I’m afraid your princess is already in another castle. That’s why I had the time to play with you. And I’m so glad I did. You’re so much more easy on the eyes than that cow you call a princess.”

Sky strikes at Ghirahim's heart. 

His blade comes up short, caught near effortlessly by the smirking demon. He inhales in surprise, his blade shaking in Ghirahims one-handed grip. The clash of their weapons strike sparks, sword against gauntlet.

Ghirahim leans forward, whispering against Sky’s lips. “I did love playing with you though. Although I fear I now must bid you adieu.”

Ghirahim palm strikes the side of Sky’s sword, shattering the blade. He follows with a sweeping kick, knocking Sky into the air with the strength of it.

Sky is still airborn when he see’s the glint of a blade pass him.

Ghirahim leaps back just in time to avoid Warriors cutting him in two.

Sky hits the wall hard enough to crack bones.

Ghirahim dives out the window before Sky blinks, moving easily across the rooftops. 

“Intruder in the castle!” Warriors calls into his radio. “He’s moving across the roof on the eastern tower. Heading South. Proceed with caution! He’s killed at least five guards!”

Warriors drops to his knee beside Sky grabbing his friend by the shoulders. His blade is still drawn. “Are you alright? What happened? What did he say?”

“Sun…” Sky croaks. All his aches and pains are secondary to the cold void in his stomach. Let it be a bluff. Please let her be safe! “Where is Sun? He.. said he got her… Wars… Where is Sun?”

The radio on Warriors waist crackles to life. 

“Red Alert! Red Alert! Princess Solara is unaccounted for! All units - Search and rescue! Do not let the intruders escape! I repeat this is a Red Alert!”

------

Oh Ghirahim, you’re so fun to write. So sassy, so flirty. I love his naughty, sexy bitchy self

Sky has the name “godslayer” in his file - this dude must have done something to earn it. And I imagine this might be the event that kicks it into motion.

[euroartofficial]

Best Door Hinges in Dubai

Whenever you think about your home or office design, do you ever stop to think about your door hinges? Do you pay any attention to them?

They seem like a small little detail, but the difference for your doors in Dubai might lie with the hinges. At Euro Art, we offer an extensive range of high-end door hinges in dubai to make your doors look and perform better.

Why Door Hinges Matter

Think about the last time you opened a door. Was it smooth, or did it creak and squeak? That annoying sound often comes from poor quality hinges. Do you know that the door hinge is not just an easy fastener? It actually plays an extremely important role on how your door functions, as well as how long it lasts. High quality door hinges in Dubai ensure smooth and quiet operation of the doors, with no issues related to their use. Would you like to have a door that opens and closes with ease every time?

Face it, cheap hinges do not last long and easily become misaligned, rusted, and sometimes even damage the door. Would you like to replace faulty hinges often, or would you like to spend your money on quality hinges that will last longer and work better?

Types of Door Hinges: Which One is Right for You?

Not all doors are created equal, neither are the hinges that hang them. Euro Art offers you a wide range of door hinges in Dubai. Let's learn about these different types of door hinges:

1. Butt Hinges

Butt hinges are the most widely used type of hinges in Dubai. They come in handy for most standard doors within homes and offices. Their installation is easy and they provide a pretty good deal of strength for daily usage. Have you got standard wooden or metal doors? Butt hinges might just be what you need!

2.Continuous Hinges

Also known as piano hinges, they are installed along the length of the door. They can also be used for heavy doors or doorways that experience multiple uses in entryways as well as industrial doors. Do you have a really heavy door in your home place or commercial place that needs support?

3. Concealed Hinges

Concealed hinges also are known as European hinges, which are a recent solution for doors and cabinets. Unlike the old-fashioned types of hinges, which are obvious when the door is shut, concealed hinges are hidden on the door frame, producing a sleek and clean line. They are very popular to use in kitchens, bathrooms, and modern houses, as their purpose is to provide seamlessness in the design.

4. Pivot Hinges

These are ideal for more substantial, heavier doors because they allow a door to pivot smoothly from a central pivot. Does your door require a strong hinge to hold its weight and facilitate easy opening? Then pivot hinges could be the solution.

5. Security Hinges

For exterior doors or special high-security areas, these specialize in offering additional security against tampering. They do this by incorporating anti-theft pins and are designed against tampering. Do your doors need more security? Security hinges may be the right choice for you.

Having too many options is always exhausting, and choosing between that many options is not quite easy. However, one does not have to fear because at Euro Art we put it in your hands effortlessly. Which of the options do you think would find its way into your home? Feel free to contact us if you have any confusions.

Why Euro Art is the one stop shop for Door Hinges in Dubai: Let's Look Into It

• Quality Materials: Have you bought something which didn't serve its purpose as long as it was meant to? Euro Art only utilizes the best materials on its door hinges in Dubai. So, you receive hinges which are strong, firm, and can withstand normal wear and tear. Just invest your money in Euro Art hinges for quality that will live to stand the test of time.

• Multiple Options: Do you want something really plain and straightforward for an average door, or perhaps an architectural/office-security hinge for that highly-fancied entrance in the city? Euro Art has covered them all. Our tremendous scope of door hinges in Dubai allows for every residential, commercial, and industrial needs from homes and offices alike to take a position

•Expert Guidance: Not sure which hinge is right for your door? Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way. From selecting the best hinge for your door to installation tips, we've got all the answers. Would you like to get personalized advice on choosing the perfect hinge?

• Budget-Friendly Price: Now, in Euro Art, it is well thought that super quality door hinges Dubai shall not be costly and hence comes with affordable and competitive price tags on our products. Do you want to get hold of just the perfect blend of quality with value? Euro Art offers this to its customers!

• Fast, Reliable Delivery: Perhaps you have an urgent deadline on your project; Euro Art handles fast and reliable delivery so that they can be installed immediately on receiving your package. We know the importance of getting up and running your doors immediately.

• What do we do after a sale? Our work does not stop once we have sold. At Euro Art, we want you to be satisfied with your purchase. Do you need assistance? Have questions? We are just a call away. How important is customer service to you when making a purchase?

How to Choose the Right Door Hinges for Your Home or Office: Some Key Considerations

When you finally decide to make a door hinge selection in Dubai, you should make sure you pick the type of hinge that suits your needs. But what type would you prefer? Let's break it down:

- Door Weight: Do you consider door weight? Heavy doors require strong hinges to avoid sagging or even damage. If your door is made from solid wood or metal, make sure to choose a hinge that can bear the weight. Do you want to know more about matching hinge strength with your door's weight?

- Design and Aesthetics: The type of hinge you choose will impact the appearance of the door in general. Do you want visible hinges or hidden ones? In the event that you seek an extremely contemporary look, for instance, hidden hinges will work beautifully. For more traditional door designs, though, a traditional butt hinge is appropriate. What is your style?

-Functionality and Durability: How much do you expect your door to be used? Then the hinge you need to work quietly and endure frequent wear. How often do you open heavy use entrance and exit doors? If your entrances and exits are on very busy roads, your hinge must be durable and heavyweight.

Case studies

Case Study 1: Residential Project – Modern Dubai Villa

Client: A homeowner in a newly built villa in Dubai 

Challenge: The client wanted sleek, modern doors that matched the minimalist design of the villa. Traditional visible hinges did not align with the desired aesthetic. 

Solution: The homeowner chose concealed hinges for all interior doors, including kitchen cabinets and bathroom doors. These hinges allowed the doors to open and close smoothly without disrupting the clean lines of the design. 

Outcome: The concealed hinges provided the modern look the client desired while ensuring durability and ease of operation. The homeowner was pleased with the seamless integration of the hinges, which maintained the stylish and minimalist appearance of the villa.

Case Study 2: Commercial Project – Office Building in Downtown Dubai

Client: A business owner renovating a large office building in the heart of Dubai 

Challenge: The client needed strong, durable hinges that could support heavy doors while offering a high-end, professional appearance for the office. 

Solution: The client selected butt hinges made of high-quality stainless steel, known for their strength and ability to handle heavy commercial doors. The hinges were chosen for their functional performance as well as their professional appearance. 

Outcome: The butt hinges provided reliable support for the heavy office doors, ensuring smooth operation. The office was successfully renovated, and the client received positive feedback on the overall aesthetic and functionality of the new doors.

These case studies show how different types of door hinges can meet specific design and functional needs in residential and commercial projects in Dubai.

Quick Stats

Here are some stats related to door hinges and door hardware:

1. Market Growth: The global door hardware market is projected to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 4.2% from 2020 to 2025, indicating a rising demand for high-quality hinges globally.

2. Consumer Preference: In a 2022 survey, over 60% of homeowners in the UAE preferred concealed hinges for their modern interiors due to their sleek look and functionality.

3. Durability: High-quality stainless steel and brass door hinges can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance, according to industry experts.

4. Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient doors with good hinges can help reduce energy loss, with studies showing that properly aligned doors can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 15%.

5. Market Share: The demand for concealed hinges in the Middle East has increased by 15% over the last 3 years, driven by architectural trends favoring minimalist and modern design.

These stats reflect the growing demand for quality door hardware and the preference for design-driven choices like concealed hinges in the UAE and Dubai.

FAQs for door hinges in Dubai

1. What are door hinges and why do I need them?

Door hinges are necessary to attach your door to the frame so that it can open and close smoothly.

 2. What types of door hinges should I use for my home in Dubai?

There are three popular types: butt hinges, concealed hinges, and pivot hinges. They each have their own specific benefits depending on your door style and function.

3. How do concealed door hinges work?

Concealed hinges are hidden within the door and frame and give a sleek, modern look with smooth, silent movement.

4. Are high-quality door hinges worth the investment?

Yes! High-quality hinges provide durability, prevent door sagging, and ensure a long-lasting, smooth operation.

5. Can I install door hinges myself?

While DIY installation is possible, professional installation ensures a more secure, reliable fit and prevents issues down the road.

With our wide varieties, expert guidance, competitive prices, and exceptional customer services, we are here to guide you in making the best choice for your doors. Are you ready to take your doors to a more premium level with Dubai door hinges? Then get started today! Get to check our collection, ask questions, and find out the perfect hinges for the next project. Your doors deserve the best - Euro Art for reliability, style, and durability!

Conclusion: Why You Must Choose Euro Art For Door Hinges in Dubai

Choosing the best door hinges in Dubai is much more than picking any hardware from the shelf. It means picking a product that will allow your doors to function properly, look great, and last for years. Be it installing new doors, renovating your space, or upgrading your existing door system, Euro Art brings a variety of high-quality door hinges in Dubai that will meet your every requirement.

[communityroofingofva21]

The Hidden Costs of Poor Roofing: Why Quality Matters

Rooftop care may not always receive the attention it merits when it comes to home maintenance. However, cutting corners on roofing quality might result in unpleasant financial surprises that no homeowner wants to deal with. Unexpected leaks and increased energy expenditures are just two of the hidden costs of subpar roofing. Here are some reasons why selecting quality is not just a wise choice but also a must if you're evaluating your alternatives for home roofing services in the Richmond area.

1. Costly Repairs from Frequent Leaks and Damage

One of the most obvious risks with subpar roofing is dealing with leaks. Water intrusion from even minor leaks can wreak havoc on ceilings, walls, and insulation. Mold growth, drywall damage, and wood rot aren’t just annoyances; they’re costly to repair. While an inferior roofing job might seem like a bargain, the expenses for these repairs can far outweigh any initial savings. Investing in quality roofing reduces the chance of costly patchwork repairs down the road.

2. Increased Energy Bills

Poor roofing can hit your wallet hard in terms of energy efficiency. Quality roofing materials act as a barrier, protecting your home from extreme weather conditions. A poorly insulated or thin roof allows hot air to seep in during the summer and warm air to escape in the winter, causing your HVAC system to work overtime. Higher energy bills directly result from inadequate roofing, while a well-installed, energy-efficient roof will keep your home comfortable and reduce your utility costs.

3. Decreased Property Value

A roof is one of the first things potential buyers notice. A well-maintained, quality roof speaks volumes about the care given to the entire property. Conversely, a roof with visible wear, mismatched shingles, or evident water damage can drastically lower your home’s market value. If you’re planning to sell your home at some point, investing in top-tier roofing not only enhances curb appeal but also assures prospective buyers of a sound structure.

4. Shortened Roof Lifespan

Cheap roofing materials or poor installation often mean your roof won’t last as long as it should. High-quality materials and expert installation services offer durability, giving you peace of mind that your roof will stand the test of time. Opting for quality means fewer replacements, repairs, and, ultimately, fewer headaches. Given that a roof is a long-term investment, stretching that lifespan with quality materials is worth every penny.

5. Stress and Safety Concerns

Lastly, poor roofing can lead to unforeseen hazards that compromise the safety of your family. Heavy winds or storms can dislodge loose shingles, leaving vulnerable areas for leaks or pests to enter. Not only does this add stress, but it also creates a safety risk. Ensuring your roof is durable and adequately installed keeps everyone in your household safe, even during unpredictable weather.

Make the Right Choice for Your Richmond Home

Choosing reliable and reputable home roofing services in the Richmond area goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about protecting your biggest investment—your home. At Community Roofing of VA, we’re proud to serve the Richmond area with roofing solutions that combine functionality, durability, and style, specifically tailored to meet Richmond’s unique architectural styles and climate challenges. As a GAF Master Elite Certified contractor—an honor held by only 2-3% of roofing contractors—we ensure every project is completed with precision and care. Our team’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made us Richmond’s trusted choice for comprehensive roofing services. Connect with us to discuss how we can bring quality, longevity, and style to your home’s roofing system.

[charlesmwa]

Electric Guitar Setup Essentials: Why Quality Components Matter

If you're an electric guitar player or planning to get into playing, it's important to know that the setup of your guitar can make or break your playing experience. You might think that all guitars are the same, but the truth is, the quality of the components in your guitar can have a huge impact on how it sounds, feels, and plays. Let’s break down the essentials of an electric guitar setup and why investing in quality components really matters.

1. Pickups: The Heart of Your Guitar's Sound

Pickups are one of the most important parts of an electric guitar. They capture the vibrations of the strings and convert them into electrical signals that are sent to your amplifier. There are different types of pickups, like single-coil and humbucker pickups, and each has its own sound characteristics.

Single-Coil Pickups: These are known for their bright, crisp sound. They’re great for genres like blues, country, and rock.

Humbucker Pickups: Humbuckers are designed to cancel out the hum that single-coils can sometimes produce. They have a thicker, warmer sound, perfect for heavier music like rock and metal.

Why quality matters: Cheap pickups often result in poor sound clarity, excess noise, and limited tonal options. High-quality pickups, however, deliver a clearer, more dynamic sound with better sustain. If you’re serious about your music, it’s worth investing in good pickups to bring out the best tones.

2. Bridge: Keeping It All Together

The bridge is the part of your guitar that holds the strings in place. There are two main types of bridges: fixed (hardtail) and tremolo bridges.

Fixed Bridge: It’s simple and stable. Guitars with a fixed bridge are easier to tune and stay in tune longer, which is great if you’re a beginner or just don’t want the hassle of constant tuning.

Tremolo Bridge: A tremolo bridge allows you to change the pitch of the strings by using a whammy bar. While it gives you more creative control over your sound, it can make tuning more complex.

Why quality matters: A low-quality bridge can affect the guitar’s intonation (how in-tune your notes are) and tuning stability. High-quality bridges provide better sustain and more precise control over your playing. If your guitar can’t hold its tune or your notes sound off, it might be time to upgrade your bridge.

3. Strings: The Connection Between Your Fingers and Your Guitar

It might seem obvious, but the type of strings you use can make a big difference in your playing. Electric guitar strings come in different gauges (thickness) and materials, which impact both the sound and the feel of your guitar.

Lighter Gauge Strings: These are easier to press down, making them ideal for beginners or players who like to bend strings a lot.

Heavier Gauge Strings: Heavier strings provide more volume and sustain but are harder to play. They’re often used in genres like metal, where a thicker sound is needed.

Why quality matters: Cheap strings can break easily, lose their tone quickly, and feel uncomfortable to play. High-quality strings last longer, feel smoother, and sound better overall. They’re a small investment, but they can make a big difference in your playing experience.

4. Tuning Machines: Keeping Everything in Tune

Tuning machines (also known as tuning pegs) are essential for keeping your guitar in tune. They might seem simple, but a good set of tuners can improve your guitar's tuning stability.

Standard Tuners: These work fine for most players, but they may need constant adjustment, especially if you have a tremolo bridge.

Locking Tuners: These are designed to lock the string in place, providing better tuning stability, especially for players who use the whammy bar or play aggressively.

Why quality matters: Cheap tuning machines can slip, meaning your guitar goes out of tune easily. High-quality tuners hold their position better, meaning less time spent tuning and more time playing.

5. Pots and Switches: Controlling Your Sound

Pots (potentiometers) control the volume and tone of your guitar, while the switches allow you to choose between pickups or blend them.

Volume and Tone Pots: These control how loud or soft your guitar sounds and adjust the tone from bright to warm.

Pickup Selector Switch: This lets you choose between different pickup combinations for a range of sounds.

Why quality matters: Low-quality pots and switches can cause crackling noises or fail over time. Good components give you smoother control and a longer lifespan for your guitar.

Conclusion: Invest in Quality for Better Performance

At the end of the day, the components in your electric guitar can significantly impact your playing experience. If you're serious about getting the best sound and feel out of your instrument, it's worth investing in high-quality pickups, bridges, strings, and tuning machines.

For anyone looking to upgrade their electric guitar setup, check out some professional music shops like VIP PRO AUDIO to get hands-on experience with different components. You’ll be able to hear the difference and find the best setup for your style of playing. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, the right components can take your sound to the next level.

[music-industry-updates]

From Planning to Production: Creating a Professional Cover Song

Creating a cover song might seem like a simple task on the surface—after all, the original melody and lyrics are already laid out for you. However, producing a cover song that sounds professional and stands out in the competitive music landscape requires careful planning and execution. From selecting the right track to perfecting the final production, every step needs attention to detail. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making a professional-quality cover song, breaking down each stage so you can produce a cover that resonates with your audience and showcases your artistic talents.

1. Selecting the Right Song

The first step in creating a cover song is selecting the right track to cover. This decision should be strategic and aligned with your artistic goals. Ask yourself: What is the message I want to convey with this cover? Does the song align with my musical style and strengths? It's important to choose a song that reflects your identity as an artist and that you can transform in a meaningful way.

Additionally, consider your audience. Covering a song that resonates with your fan base will increase engagement and chances of success. While popular songs might be an obvious choice, sometimes covering a lesser-known track allows for more creative freedom and originality, helping you stand out from other musicians.

Pro Tip: Try to pick a song that has room for reinterpretation. Songs with strong melodies but simple arrangements often leave space for creative adaptation.

2. Reimagining the Arrangement

Once you've selected the song, the next step is to plan how you’ll reimagine its arrangement. This is where you can put your unique stamp on the track and differentiate your cover from the original. Consider what aspects of the song you want to change—this could involve altering the tempo, changing the key, or adding new instruments to the mix.

Some musicians prefer to slow down fast songs to create a more emotional vibe, while others might add electronic beats to acoustic tracks to make them more upbeat. You could even change the genre completely—for example, turning a rock song into a jazz cover or giving a pop song an indie acoustic twist. The key is to find a balance between preserving the essence of the original while adding your own flavor to make it distinct.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different versions of the song before settling on an arrangement. Sometimes unexpected combinations of instruments or styles can yield fantastic results.

3. Nailing the Vocal Performance

Your vocal performance is the heart of your cover song. Even if the instrumental arrangement is top-notch, a poor vocal execution can undermine the entire production. Focus on delivering a vocal performance that feels authentic and emotionally connected to the lyrics. Since your cover will be compared to the original, it’s important not to simply mimic the original artist’s style—bring your own interpretation to the vocals.

Practice different approaches to the vocal delivery. You could emphasize different parts of the song, change up the phrasing, or play with harmonies. Recording multiple takes and listening back will help you identify the best version of your vocal performance.

Pro Tip: If the song has complex vocal runs or high notes, modify it to suit your vocal range. There's no shame in adjusting a song to fit your voice; in fact, it can make the cover more personal and unique.

4. Recording Your Cover

When it comes to recording, production quality matters—whether you're recording in a professional studio or from the comfort of your home. High-quality equipment, such as a good microphone, audio interface, and headphones, is essential for capturing clean audio. If you're recording at home, make sure your space is acoustically treated to minimize unwanted noise or echoes.

Plan your recording process by breaking it down into stages. Start by laying down the instrumental tracks, followed by the vocals. Layer in any additional elements, such as harmonies, backing vocals, or extra instrumental touches, to enrich the sound.

If you're working with a producer, communicate your vision clearly. The right producer can help bring your creative ideas to life while ensuring the technical aspects of recording are handled professionally.

Pro Tip: Record multiple takes of each section of the song. This gives you more material to work with when it’s time to edit and select the best parts for the final version.

5. Mixing and Mastering

Once all the elements of your cover song are recorded, the next step is mixing. Mixing involves balancing the levels of the different tracks (vocals, instruments, etc.) and applying effects like reverb, EQ, and compression to achieve a polished sound. This is a critical stage where the individual elements of your cover come together as a cohesive piece.

After the mix is complete, it’s time for mastering. Mastering ensures that your track sounds consistent and professional across different platforms and audio systems. It brings the final polish to your cover, making it sound as good on a smartphone as it does in a high-end stereo system.

If you're not familiar with mixing and mastering, it’s worth hiring a professional or using a mastering service to ensure the final product is of the highest quality.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to how your cover sounds on various playback devices. What sounds great on studio monitors might not translate well on earbuds, so make sure the mix holds up across different setups.

6. Releasing and Promoting Your Cover

Once your cover song is finalized, it’s time to release it to the world. Create a release strategy that includes sharing the song on music streaming platforms, uploading a video version to YouTube, and promoting it on social media. Building anticipation before the release can also help generate buzz.

Engage with your audience by explaining why you chose the song and sharing behind-the-scenes content from the recording process. Encouraging fans to share and comment will increase the reach of your cover song and potentially attract new listeners.

Pro Tip: Include your cover in playlists and pitch it to blogs and music influencers. Gaining traction from third-party channels can boost visibility and help your cover gain momentum.

Conclusion:

Creating a professional cover song requires a balance of creativity, technical skill, and strategic promotion. By carefully selecting the right song, reimagining its arrangement, delivering a powerful vocal performance, and ensuring high-quality recording and production, you can create a cover song that not only sounds professional but also stands out from the crowd. With the right marketing efforts, your cover song could be the key to reaching new audiences and showcasing your talent.

[1001albumsrated]

#2: Elvis Presley - Elvis Presley (1956)

Genre(s): Rock n Roll

Number two on the 1001 Albums list is the iconic eponymous debut album from Elvis Presley, which rocketed him (and rock n roll) into superstardom. Before we talk about the music, the graphic designer in me needs to point out that obvious: the album cover is spectacular. Top notch photography, and lovely color, font, and typesetting choices. Not that it needs to be said, but man what a classic cover.

Anyways, the music. I probably haven't sat down and listened to this front to back since I was a kid; I've got fond memories of dancing around my grandma's living room to these songs as a preschooler. Obviously I've heard these songs individually about a million times since then. But still, it's interesting to go back and give it a thoughtful listen the whole way through. The first thing that really struck me is the poor quality of the recording. It's something I'd never really noticed before, but honestly I'm not sure I've ever sat down and given these tunes a solid critical listen as an adult. The King sounds like he's inside a trash can for most of the record. It's not appalling and not terribly surprising for "less serious" music of the time, but you can't help but wonder if the folks at Sun or RCA Victor ever kicked themselves for not doing more once the influence of this album became apparent (in between dips in their Scrooge McDuck pool of that sweet, sweet Elvis cash, of course).

The other thing that struck me as I listened was that now, knowing the original versions of most of these songs much better than I did at age 5, how much I don't care for Elvis's versions of these tunes. I Got A Woman and Tutti Frutti in particular left me yearning to hear Ray Charles and Little Richard respectively. Elvis's versions just feel wimpy in comparison. Where's the bite? Where's the soul? I'm not going to get into the racial politics of Elvis's career or the debate on whether he was stealing from black artists (not because it isn't an important conversation, but because you could write a book about it and a blog post isn't long enough to get into the meat of the topic), but I will say that these tunes feel like pale imitations of the originals. That being said, it's still an enjoyable listen. But like the teens buying the record in 1956, and like so many other things in life, it's more enjoyable if you don't know what you're missing.

Speaking of missing things, what we're missing right now is the most important question, the one we're here to answer: MUST you hear Elvis Presley's self-titled record before you die? I wrestled with this one a bit. If this album existed in a vacuum I think the answer would be no. But it doesn't. Instead, it's the album that launched rock n roll into the mainstream, and changed the definition of what stardom could be. I almost hate to say it, but I think that on the merits of its enormous historical and cultural significance, and endlessly rippling influence, the answer is Yes. If you somehow haven't heard this album before, take a minute to sit down and give it a thorough front to back listen. These two sides inform a large chunk of the music we'll be listening to on this journey, and it's important to really hear it at least once.

For the nerds who care, I listened to this album (like many I don't own on a physical format) in hi-res on Qobuz. Not that the resolution will do this one too many favors, but it's a matter of principle sometimes with audio.

And that's a wrap! I plan to post fairly regularly (otherwise I'll never be done with this thing), so more to come very soon... dust off your cowboy hats and tune in next time for Tragic Songs of Life by The Louvin Brothers!

[avictimofthejazz]

Whatever greeting he is expecting from Miss Allen is not the one he receives. Face blinks and drops his hand as the woman ignores his gesture. Instead, she patiently explains to him that she is an adult and, as such, does not require a babysitter. His smile stays in place, carefully honed to survive all but the direst insults. Still, a slight, annoyed edge undercuts it. “That’s an excellent thing to here, Miss Allen,” He tilts his head toward her, “Because, while I am willing to watch kids if asked, my usual fee for those jobs is much higher than what Mr. Eldridge has offered me for this one.” He decides not to jump on her quip about an attractive offer, no matter how tempting it is. It does not fit his current persona, and he doubts Miss Allen will welcome the joke. She seems a bit agitated already, and if he riles her more, he may find himself short of a job before he even starts. A moment later though, the irritation is softened by… something else. Given that he cannot read the senior journalist’s mind, Face mentally chalks it up to his good looks. That is normally what softens women up in his experience… not that he will be saying that to Miss Allen either. She agrees to take him on a trial basis, and his smile returns to its usual wattage. “Since that’s what Mr. Eldridge is taking me on as well, I’d call that a fair deal.” Even as he responds to her, his mind flashes back to Eldridge’s obvious glee when hiring him. Combining that with Miss Allen’s peevish statement about babysitters, a few jigsaw pieces slide into place. His blossoming theory also accounts for why Eldridge is not concerned with his clear lack of experience or credentials in this field. If Face’s suspicion is correct, he was hired not for his skills but to be a thorn in Miss Allen’s side. A low-level spike of annoyance moves through him at the thought. While he is comfortable using people as he needs, he dislikes being used to set other people up. Granted, there could be a reason why Eldridge is doing this… but, knowing the quality of work Miss Allen turns out, Face cannot imagine one that actually makes sense, and still leaves Eldridge looking even a bit redeemable. Face’s attention gets caught for a moment, watching her run her hand through her hair. As she starts speaking, he refocuses on her again. Her topic of choice is intriguing. Father O’Malley has been talking about it—fussing in particular over two of the older orphans who have not returned to Sacred Heart for several days. Face suggested they just ran off—sadly not an uncommon fate for the older kids—but the dear old priest just kept talking about the disappearances from the homeless camps, and that he hopes the children have not gotten tangled up in that. One of the benefits of still being friends with the staff at Sacred Heart is that they were a surprisingly easy way to keep his finger on the poor side of town’s pulse. He is still working on his upscale contacts, but his list of friends in low places is as comprehensive a list as it has ever been.

“That sounds fascinating.” He agrees with her. “How many people have gone missing all together? And is it from one camp, or have they been vanishing all over the city?” Face feigns full ignorance with the situation, figuring that that will be the easiest way to get his questions answered. He doubts Miss Allen is used to people listening to her, so if she thinks he is actually paying attention, he will probably learn everything she knows in about five or ten minutes.

Working at the Los Angeles Courier had not been Face’s first plan. In fact, it had not even been in his top twenty. But he, admittedly, is in a bit of a pickle. While the military had lauded his skills during the war, the ability to acquire anything he wanted whenever he wanted it alongside a dash of knowing how to kill people from a mile away does not lead to many legitimate post-war career choices.     He thought about dabbling in the illegitimate side of life, but quickly dismissed it. At the very best, he could be a con-artist scamming people out of money to fund his own lifestyle. At the worst, he would filter to the bottom of the pack, and become something reprehensible. It seemed the best options that way was being an gunrunner, a human trafficker, or a drug dealer—three professions he wanted nothing to do with. But with one year’s worth of a Bachelors for Business Administration, and a Minor in Accounting under his belt before he dropped out, Face can hardly use that to his advantage. He knows he could return to school and finish his degree, but he is reluctant to take that path either. A lot of guys from Vietnam were planning on going into college when they got home. There are only a few old friends from the Army that he wants to run into regularly, and he loathes the idea of accidentally getting stuck in class with someone he hates. Maybe he will go back in a few years when the glut passes, but for now he intends to stay away. As a man who came dangerously close to failing high school English though, a writing-based career has never even entered onto his radar. He had gone to the newspaper merely to inquire about an accounting position behind the scenes, but somehow found himself routed up to the Editor’s office. Never a man to let an opportunity slide, he made the most of the miscommunication, and landed himself a position as an intern. Face supposes it makes sense—given the general borderline-Communist tripe the paper keeps turns out, being an expert in writing and argumentation is likely not high on Mr. Eldridge’s list of qualifications for his employees. Even as he finishes finalizing everything with his new boss, receiving his start time and an assignment, Face cannot help noting that Mr. Eldridge is a bit… gleeful about hiring him. Almost disconcertingly so… but Face has little time to dwell on that. He returns at the time, even remembering to include the glasses he wore the first day he came to the paper. Once he is settled in, if he chooses to stay, he will claim he transitioned to contacts at some point. For now, the glasses add the appropriate touch of ‘nerdiness’ needed for his position. The fact that Murdock jokingly called him ‘Clark Kent’ this morning is merely filed away for review at another time. When Face shows up in Eldridge’s office, the man is still quite delighted to see him, and quickly points out the reporter he will be assisting. Amy Allen. Face vaguely recalls seeing her name attached to a few articles in the back pages of the paper, and a passing comment that she was one of the few worthwhile writers that the paper had on staff. But he gave her no more thought then that. Now, crossing the busy newsroom to her desk, he wishes that he had. Maybe then he would have been better prepared to face the pretty brunette diligently staring at a half-typed page in her typewriter. Face comes to a stop by her desk as she pulls out her paper, and starts studying it. Only after she has read the sentence does she realize someone has joined her, and she looks up at him. Face’s first coherent thought as soon as he recovers is that she has gorgeous eyes. His second is that she has remarkable enunciation for a woman with a pencil clamped between her teeth. Opening his mouth to explain himself, Miss Allen beats him to the punch. Removing the pencil, she gives him directions to Eldridge’s office, where he has just come from.

Tapping down on his instinct to flirt, something he feels will not befit the persona he is creating here, Face offers his hand instead. “I just came from Mr. Eldridge’s office, actually. Templeton Peck—I’m the new intern. Mr. Eldridge told me that I’m assigned to you. You are Miss Allen, aren’t you?”

[possessingtheproperspirit]

How about (if inspiration strikes)

Perspective Flip: I’ll write a scene from [that fic] from another character’s point-of-view

A Lesson in Communication from Lily's POV

oh hi 🥰

The swimming pool scene in A Lesson in Communication, from Lily's POV...

"Aunty Lilyyyyy!" Dudley's voice had taken on a nasal, whiny quality at some point in the last hour, and she was doing her utmost not to let it grate on her nerves. She loved her nephew, she truly did, and she was glad to spend time with him like this, especially given Vernon's flat-out refusal to leave the house ("you must be joking," he'd sputtered, face red; "the football starts in an hour!") and Petunia's dedication to finishing her part of the community quilt her mums group was making ("I can't very well let the team down, now, can I?" she had asked indignantly, as if Lily had suggested not swimming with her son but that she drop her trousers and piss all over the quilt in question).

She loved him, she did, but it was hot as hell and they were surrounded by similarly sweaty, whiny children, none of whom seemed to have grasped that everyone was hot, and that getting in the pool rather than sitting grumpily on the scorching paving slabs would help matters considerably.

"Yes, Duds?" she asked patiently, turning to face her pink-cheeked nephew.

Poor chap, he did look overheated. "Can I have an ice cream now?" he asked, voice dejected as if already expecting a no. And, if it had been his mother there instead, it probably would have been a no: Petunia believed that the sort of cold treats sold in places like this were pumped full of chemicals, and that her darling boy would end up growing a third arm, or turning green or something.

Lily had no such qualms. Frankly, she was craving an ice cream herself by that point. "'Course you can, love," she agreed, and hopped to her feet. She fished a fiver out of her bag. "Stay here till I'm back, okay? Nowhere near the water on your own."

"Okay," he promised, already brightening at the prospect of sugar, and she gave him a smile and a wink before she headed over to join the queue for the concession stand.

Although the queue was long, it moved at a decent clip, and it wasn't long before she was tucking her change into her bikini top (and ignoring the alarmed expression of the woman behind the counter) and picking up the icy treats, which were already starting to melt under the unrelenting sun. And as she turned around, she spotted a rather lovely chest, and a rather lovely set of shoulders, and rather lovely arms that she'd thought about wrapped around her in the shower far more than was decent, and she couldn't hold back her smile as she caught James' gaze, her heart thudding in her chest just at the sight of him.

“Well, hello again,” she beamed up at him, far too pleased to see him to pretend that she wasn't. God, she couldn't be cool around blokes she fancied even if she was paid to be—and she really fancied him. “I promise I'm not stalking you.”

He laughed, a laugh that sounded almost uncomfortable, and she tried not to let her smile dim. “Ha! No, I know,” he replied. “Um, hi, you’re—” She watched him stumble over his words, his gaze flitting this way and that. Was she reading too much into the flush of his cheeks? She knew she looked pretty decent in a bikini—one should always be aware of one's plus points—but this seemed a bit of an extreme reaction. “Swimming?”

Whatever his awkwardness was related to, she couldn't help but smile. There was something about him that made it feel as natural as breathing. “Yep, Dudley was desperate to swim today, and his dad wouldn’t take him, so I stepped in.” She lifted her hand, pausing to carefully lick the drip of ice cream from her fingers. Okay, it was a bit obvious, a bit brazen (Petunia would probably call her a 'wanton woman' for it, which only galvanised her more), but she wanted to test out her theory. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his gaze follow the path of her tongue, and the way he swallowed, hard. She had to hold back a triumphant smile. “I’m really only in it for the snacks, but don’t tell him that.”

James blinked, and something changed in just that millisecond; it was like he was gone, even as he stood in front of her. “Well, it was good to see you again,” he said politely; the smile on her face flickered, and shame started to sink through her, heavy as a rock. Fuck, she'd just embarrassed herself totally, hadn't she? “Better get those ice creams back before they melt.”

Lily nodded, biting her lip for a moment (and, yes, allowed her gaze to linger for a moment on his chest—she was only human) before she forced up another smile. So she'd been wrong. That didn't mean she had to make even more of a fool of herself. “Have a good day," she said, her voice bright and cheerful.

“You too,” he replied, but she had already started to walk away. It wasn't just the sun making her feel overheated and miserable, now.

[reflections-in-a-critical-eye]

I’m sorry if you already discussed this, what are your thoughts on the narrative "BTS has been/is being mistreated by the music industry" that goes around in the fandom? as much as I am a fan, and I do see some eyebrow-raising stuff + obvious examples of racism and ostracism, I feel like this idea of "Bangtan against the world/they’re been sabotaged" sounds lowkey conspiracy-ish at times. Are they really? Maybe I’m naive, I don’t know. I’m especially lost when it comes to streams and platforms such as Spotify/YT filtering the streams. I mean, the fandom is so huge now and people are playing songs on repeat for the sake of it, it does not seem like a really faire competition to me… they’re not the only ones doing this for sure as it seems to be a common thing in kpop fandoms but it seems like a taboo topic to question it… I guess I’m too old for this, lol (33 yo), i don’t get why people are so obsessed with the ranking and it seems like it keeps feeding the idea that it’s Army the savior of poor mistreated BTS against the whole mean industry (which is probably a pithole anyway). Every time I’ve tried to introduce my friends around my age to kpop, the first thing they always say is that they have a bad image on the genre because the fans are completely unhinged which does not make the music very welcoming unfortunately. I find it sad that fans don’t realize that they’re actually probably doing more harm than good.

Anon 2

My god, BMT, have you seen the whole Spotify/Lisa/ARMY fiasco on Twitter? When will these fans accept the fact that BTS aren’t victims—haven’t been for a long time—and they don’t need ARMYs protection? Then again, of course the behavior will continue when BTS encourage (James Cordon, “got ARMYs right behind us when we say so”, blah blah blah). It’s embarrassing and disgusting 💀

I've said times multiple times and nothing happened to change my mind as of today, but Army is still victimizing BTS because it's an integral part of the fandom's raison d'etre. They need to fight, they need to be the savior. And how many times have I not seen I-Army calling out the Korean fans for not streaming enough which once again, is done as a way to put themselves on this superior position in which the foreigner knows best and is the only one able to save and truly love an uplift this Korean group. But this overall mentality is found across the board. Of course it's dumb.

I saw the tweets for the past two days and honestly, it looks like desperation to me, for something that truly doesn't make any sense. Army is still there in the trences for an imaginary war that has long been won already and they are on the winning side, except they don't want to recognize it because without that war, they have no purpose. In 2022, is BTS a group dependent on streams? Really? Is that a main concern? They made it. They made a long time ago, which only makes this even more ridiculous. For this fandom, numbers will always matter most and not the quality of music, despite preaching that it's the most important aspect they're interested about and the reason why they "stan" BTS. Except they fail or won't admit that this is also about them and how they're in competition with every single person on this planet who is not BTS or BTS-approved.

They make BTS as victims when these so-called victims get to have a stage at Lollapalooza, debut one song on a stadium tour in Argentina, sing at the World Cup and without being a well established solo artist, a place at NPR Tiny Desk. Those are opportunities that came because as a group, they reached a certain level of success and fame that opens those types of doors. They are not debuting a solo song on Music Bank, but on world stages. And somehow, they still need a fandom to fight insignificant battles.

[kendrixtermina]

Edelgard and “meritocracy” - an essay

In this essay I wish to adress the common argument that “meritocracy bad, therefore edelgard bad” & the logical leaps therein.

Before we begin, I’d like to stress that she doesn’t even use the word “meritocracy” & they’re not even looking at it’s modern definition but reacting to the way it has been used as a fighting word to denigrate the poor specificically in the post reagan modern USA & then assuming Edelgard means the exact same thing by that without bothering to examine what she actually says & in what context.

Modern capitalism & the way it uses rhetoric of merit as an excuse is bad & with its reduction of human value to their moneymaking ability, definitely inherently ableist, I agree totally.

But 3H does NOT take place in the modern world. Progress is always relative to what came before. It*s progress away from entrenched problems.

It’s a total failure to even imagine a world different from the sucky one we live in - that’s exactly what tolkien meant  by that saying that if we’re prisoners we have a duty to escape.

Edelgard doesn’t live in a capitalist society nor is she bringing about capitalism (if anything Claude’s the one talking of free trade & giving the merchants what they want, though he is almost certainly playing them much like the church)

And the main component of capitalism - factory owners, rich elites who owns large swathes of companies or real estate - is nowhere to be found.

In our world that cropped up because industrialization made owning factories, offices, trade etc. more lucrative that just owning the land, so factory owners replaced landed lords, essentially promising the peasants freedom if they helped them overthrow the kings but granting them only in a limited manner - the flawed inequal democracies that resulted were a compromise between peasants and factory owners.

But by and large the nobles are very much in the same niche as the factory owners today - they own the land and get special trade privileges (the means of production), they often abuse the populace with impunity, the peasants are very poor.

Edelgard cracks down on corruption & special trade privileges even during the timeskip.

And like the rich of our world, they have a self-mythology propaganda justification based on merit. Yes, there is the “by the grace of god” argument, too, but crests give you extra fighting power, and if you look at the Ferdinand support for example you do see that Fodlan’s nobles - especially the adrestian ones - see themselves as a honed elite that is trained from birth & therefore better at ruling.

Not quite the same argument a modern billionaire uses - who is very invested in convincing you that they didn’t get their power and wealth by their birth - but a myth nonetheless.

Edelgard’s not bringing “meritocracy” as in brutal competition opposed to caring social safety nets, but as opposed to unearned privilege.

If you wanted to compare that to any kind of sociohistorical context, you might look at Napoleon’s peasant liberation or the implementation of civil service examinations in ancient China.

That wasn’t an all good thing - In the same way that Europe is very impacted by the legacy of rome both good & bad (there are persisting bad attitudes toward war, authority and agriculture for example), east asia still has a lot of education obsession causing pressure & unhealthy work habits to this day.

But if you compared ancient china before the reforms to ancient China after it definitely got better, by ancient china standards.

We couldn’t expect the people back then to come up with all advances up to our exact modern values at once (not can we be sure how much of our values will stand the test of time)

Considering that Fodlan’s ideal of merit is basically what Lorenz, Ingrid and Ferdinand are embodying for their respective countries, and that she stocks her inner circle with very different leaders, it is no stretch to say that she wants to shake up the social ideas of what even counts as merit, to make ppl value other things that crest power or elite upbringing, the same way we might say today that hey, cleaners are valuable actually.

Edelgard is basically doing her world’s equivalent of taxing the billionaires - reducing the power of what the overprivilieged class happens to be, & it’s obvious from her talk of how she despises inequality that she would hardly be for rule of factory owners.

When Edelgard says that she wants to make Fodlan more merit-based, that has to be taken in the context that she lives in a world where your birth determines everything, incompetent nobles can be as lazy as they want, and no one cares how competent you are if you lack a crest, title or both.

If she looked at our world, she would quickly see through the propaganda that it is supposedly “merit based” and object to how wealth and national origin obviously dictate wealth & opportunity while talented people go to waste in sweatshops.

Now of course there have been arguments even against “perfect” meritocracy - one is the devaluation of working class jobs.

To this one could answer that this is more a flaw in how merit is conceived. Historically there have been societies that exahlted blue collar work, artisans or farming.

The second argument, however, is not so easy to get rid of: That is devalues people who can’t just go & produce like machines, especially the unemployed, the sick, the mentally ill, the disabled…

But at this point we’ve got to lean back & get our definitions straight, & make it clear what we even mean by “meritocracy” -

Because if we’re just talking about the basic idea that competency should be rewarded, I don’t think too many people disagree with that. We might see a problem with valueing the competency of a doctor or lawyers dispropottionally over the competency of a cleaner or a bricklayer, but we all, by and large, want the people who prepare our goods and services to be competent. Maybe we wouldn’t exalt it over all over qualities, but most of us admire skill.

Of course the problem with the political rhetoric of “meritocracy” is that it goes beyond just rewarding skill, first with the afore mentioned rewarding of only some skills, but mostly with the reversion or overemphasis of the above: Saying that skill is the only thing that matters (to the exclusion of any inheent human value) & that those who don’t have it are worthless.

First I want to throw out the thought that this is a product of the production/profit orientation of capitalism, but one could of course imagine, as many sci fi authors have done, a non-capitalistic society that is still obsessed with merit at the exclusion of those who are not oriented towards productivity & care more about fun & relationships than producing, or those who can’t produce because they are sick or disabled.

So now we must ask ourselves the question: Which of those views does Edelgard actually hold?

Cause I want you to notice that they’re not the same. “Skill should be rewarded & jobs should be done by competent people”  is not the same position as “Skill is the ONLY thing that matters and if you don’t have it you are worthless”

In one position, skill is a good quality, in the other, it's a prerequisite to worth.

Most of us here probably agree that skill is admirable (we like and reblog pretty fanarts), but not that the unskilled are worthless.

Looking at her superficially I could perhaps see how someone might suspect her of the latter -  She gravitates to & surrounds herself with skilled intelligent people and she’s obscenely superpowered.

It’s an misunderstanding that Dimitri makes in-universe, he accuses her of “only benefitting the strong”

But note that her answer to that is that she wants to empower the weak to no longer be weak & decide their own lives, instead of accepting charity. (Contrast with how Dimitri romanticizes abyss, for example, even as Claude points out that locking the poor underground is hardly help.)

Of course she can say many things, as rulers often give florid speeches.

But let’s have a look at what she actually thinks. How does edelgard actually act towards people who struggle or aren’t productivity oriented?

This is one of her lecture questions from part I:

“When one professor lectures many students, some will inevitably have trouble keeping up, while others will get too far ahead in their studies. I wonder how this problem might be solved…”

Her favorite answer is “lectures should be optional”.

Which part of that sounds like a bell curve type eugenicist “only skill & intelligence counts” kind of person? She wants the struggling students to be taken proper care of, not just the good ones.

Look at the speeches she gives to Petra & Lysithea about not giving up on themselves & wanting them to move forward from an empowered mindset. Look at how she tells Lysithea to take it easy & not overtax her body. (Not "don't whine & keep working")

Look at Bernadetta - very much an ‘unproductive’ individual with great struggles & limitation. Does Edelgard dismiss her as a weakling? Not at all. Not even in the C support. She makes sure to stress her good qualities when introducing  her, makes an effort to be more patient so as not to scare her, & they become good friends.

Look at the Linhardt support - at first she mistakes his behavior for youthful lazyness (He’s 16 after all) & wants to get him to apply himself, but when she realizes that he just has different priorities, she respects that, & works to get him the exact sort of position that he wants. No “suck it up!” or dismissing such a different lifestyle. Nor does she chide him for hating fighting at any point.

Edelgard does everything in her power to accomodate people so they can do their best. She sees the value even in strange unsocial people that society would dismiss. She found a job for someone like Jeritza & helped him, she doesn’t hesitate to make Dorothea a general or Manuela the prime minister no matter what people say or if they don’t act like typical politicians.

Also, when she talks about choosing her sucessor, she wants them to be brilliant/competent yes, but also kind and 'an outsider' (ie, impartial) - hardly a PoV of "if you are skilled you can do whatever you want and if you aren't no other quality matters". She's prizing kindness & objectivity just as highly, something which is absolutely reflected throughout all her actions & behaviors towards others.

She doesn't devalue living quietly & low key without making waves - in fact, that is her dream life, which she deems superior to achievement and ambition, which are to her just tools to archieve good aims.

She couldn’t be further from having a narrow definition of what a ��valuable” person is, she is all ABOUT empowering people to take control of their own lives, no pity-driven charity, no paternalism, none of that. This is one of my favorite traits about her, so I can’t help but get mad when people accuse her of being the exact opposite.

But maybe the biggest argument is abyss. This is where the genuine underclass lives, poor, struggling, traumatized, refugees etc.

Edelgard isn’t as vocal during Cindered Shadows as Claude - she can’t blow her cover & just isn’t as expressive personality wise. But she’s the one who makes everybody swear to take care of Abyss no matter who wins.

And her route is the one where, instead of telling you that they lost people, Hapi tells you that they’ve all been pretty much fine over the timeskip.

If you want to help the struggling & the poor and those who don't have "conventional" skills, you should back edelgard.